Media contact: Jerry Welcome

1100 N. Glebe Rd, Suite 1010

Arlington, VA  22201

Phone: 703-224-8284 Fax: 703-243-5612

Email: info@choosereusables.org

Web Site: www.choosereusables.org

Reusable Packaging Association Launches Economic Calculator to Help Businesses
Determine Cost Savings of Reusables

Reusable Packaging Helps Reduce Costs and Increase Productivity

Arlington, VA, March 18, 2009 – The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) has created a Reusable Packaging Economic Calculator to help businesses determine the cost savings of switching from single-use corrugated packaging to reusable packaging, it was announced today by the RPA. The calculator is available at http://www.choosereusables.org.

"Now more than ever, businesses are trying to reduce their operating expenses, and reusable transport packaging is a proven and effective way to reduce costs," said Bob Klimko, Chairman of the RPA Board and Director of General Industrial Marketing for ORBIS Corporation.

The Reusable Packaging Economic Calculator is based on a financial model that covers the key concepts in the comparison of the per container cost of both reusable and single-use packaging. The tool allows a potential reusable packaging user to perform some basic financial analysis to determine if the supply chain in question is financially conducive to reusable packaging. The calculator was developed in cooperation with StopWaste.Org (www.stopwaste.org).

The model compares basic cost differences of single-use corrugated packaging and reusable packaging. The calculator factors in corrugated costs, dwell time (how long containers are held at various stages of the supply chain), cartons shipped annually, annual interest rate, return miles for reusables, and the expected replacement rate. While the model uses factual inputs from prospective users, it is intended to offer guidance and not an absolute indication of exact cost benefits. More specific models are available to determine specific cost benefits, and additional assistance is available from RPA member companies.

“The calculator is a great tool for potential users to show their CFOs and others in the company the hard numbers to start a conversation about switching to reusable packaging,” said Jerry Welcome, President, RPA. “In addition to these quantifiable savings, reusable packaging has been proven to reduce costs in other ways, including reducing product damage caused by faulty containers, reducing labor costs and injuries, reducing space required for inventory, and increasing productivity. These savings can help businesses weather today’s challenging economic environment.”

Incorporating reusable packaging into the supply chain also can help corporations meet their environmental and sustainability objectives. Reusable containers have been proven to reduce solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions, improve transportation efficiency, and reduce energy use. These claims were substantiated in a landmark study conducted by Franklin Associates in 2004, Life Cycle Inventory of Reusable Plastic Containers and Display Ready Corrugated Containers Used for Fresh Produce Applications.

About the RPA

The Reusable Packaging Association (RPA) is collaborative effort between manufacturers, poolers, distributors, retailers and educators to promote the environmental, safety, and economic benefits of reusable packaging. The RPA serves as the collective voice of industry and uses its knowledge of the members’ products and services to advance the adoption of reusable packaging and systems throughout the supply chain.  The RPA is focused on promoting the expansion of reusables as the preferred packaging solution across supply chains in all industries. For more information, visit http://www.choosereusables.org or call +1 (703) 224-8284.

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